Discover the Best Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

When visiting Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, you will be captivated by its rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. The city offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Mongolian cuisine to modern fusion dishes. In this article, we will explore some of the best restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, highlighting their unique offerings and must-try dishes.

Key Restaurants to Visit

While Ku’damm offers a great steak, and California provides decent food, the Caucasian restaurant stands out for its amazing food, and The Bull for its hot pot, there are several restaurants that truly encapsulate the essence of Mongolian cuisine. Here are some recommendations:

Sultana Arabic and Turkish Cuisine

Sultana is highly recommended for its delicious grilled meats and the extensive range of dishes it offers. Whether you're a fan of lamb or beef, Sultana provides a delightful dining experience that is both satisfying and flavorful. As someone who has diners there, I highly recommend giving it a try. The restaurant's ambiance and service are also noteworthy, making it a perfect choice for a memorable meal.

Modern Nomads, Altai Mongolian Grill, and Veranda

For a more traditional Mongolian experience, you may want to visit Modern Nomads, Altai Mongolian Grill, or the Veranda. These restaurants offer a unique blend of authentic Mongolian cuisine and modern fusion dishes. If you're looking for a truly nomadic dining experience, these places are a must-visit. Here are some dishes you might want to try:

Khorkhog: A lamb dish cooked inside a pot over an open fire with root vegetables. This dish provides a taste of the nomadic lifestyle, where people would cook food in a communal pot. Boodog: A marmot that has been filled with hot stones, potatoes, and then torched to cook it inside out. While it might sound adventurous, it is a traditional dish that is both flavorful and unique. Kh???nul Airag: Fermented mare's milk, a mildly alcoholic drink that is a traditional part of Mongolian culture. While it is mildly alcoholic, it can still pose challenges for some individuals. It's best enjoyed in moderation. Aaruul: Dried milk curds, which are similar to clotted cream. These are the fat collected from simmering raw milk and can be a unique culinary experience. If you're lactose intolerant, you should avoid these.

Altai Mongolian Grill and Veranda

If you're in the mood for something more refined, Altai Mongolian Grill offers a more gourmet experience with a focus on traditional Mongolian dishes. Similarly, Veranda provides a delightful dining environment that balances authenticity with innovation. Both places are known for their high-quality ingredients and exceptional culinary skills.

A reminding note for adventurers

For adventurous travelers, staying in a ger (traditional Mongolian house) and dining with the locals is an unforgettable experience. This will provide you with a more authentic taste of Mongolian food and culture. It's not only a dining experience but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the way of life of the Mongolian people.

Must-Try Dishes

Mongolian cuisine is heavy and primarily consists of meat, particularly beef. Unlike the popular perception of Mongolian dishes, it is not heavily seasoned with soy sauce, chilli, or other spices. Instead, it is typically seasoned only with salt. This simplicity can be both a challenge and an adventure for your taste buds. Here are some must-try dishes:

Khorkhog: Lamb cooked inside a pot over an open fire with root vegetables. This dish is a culinary representation of the nomadic lifestyle, where people would cook food in a communal pot. Boodog: A whole marmot that has been filled with hot stones, potatoes, and then torched to cook it inside out. This dish is both unique and delicious, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Milk products: Airag: Fermented mare's milk, which is mildly alcoholic. It's a traditional drink that has been a part of Mongolian culture for centuries. While it is mildly alcoholic, it can still pose challenges for some individuals. It's best enjoyed in moderation. Aaruul: Dried milk curds, similar to clotted cream, are the fat collected from simmering raw milk. These are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. If you're lactose intolerant, you should avoid these. Kh????nul: A traditional cheese that is quite unique and different from any other cheese you might have tried. Khanglein Bortsug and Gambir: Bortsug: The Mongolian version of doughnuts. They can be either hard or soft, depending on the type of fat used for frying. These are a popular snack and can be quite addictive. Gambir: The Mongolian version of pancakes. These are traditionally salty but are now available in sweet versions too. However, the sweet versions are not as traditional and are often called the 'ugly cousin' of crepes.

Finally, if you're lactose intolerant or have a gluten allergy, the traditional desserts and pastries may not be the best choice for you. In some cases, these items are fried in milk fat, while others are fried in vegetable oil.

Conclusion

If you visit Ulaanbaatar, be prepared to experience a unique culinary journey that offers both the familiar and the exotic. Whether you're a fan of traditional Mongolian dishes or prefer modern fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone in Ulaanbaatar's vibrant restaurant scene. Enjoy your time in the heart of Mongolia and don't forget to try the local specialties. Once you've had a taste of Mongolian cuisine, you'll surely come back for more!